The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates has approved the nation’s first lottery.
The license award was announced on Sunday and sees Abu Dhabi-based The Game secure the first license to commence lottery operations, with the company approved to offer a range of lottery products, as well as “other games designed to cater to players’ variety of interests and financial preferences”.
Jim Murren, chairman of the GCGRA, said: “The launch of the UAE Lottery is a pivotal event that not only marks the establishment of a disciplined world-class regulatory framework for lottery activities but also underscores our commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.”
The Game is described as a commercial gaming operator specialising in game development, lottery operations, and gaming-related content, with limited additional information available on the company.
It will operate across the seven emirates that make up the UAE under the ‘UAE Lottery’ brand.
“The GCGRA is steadfast in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight,” said Kevin Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA. “Our regulatory framework is designed to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the UAE, which include lottery games. It also provides consumers with a comprehensive set of tools to monitor and manage their gaming activity.
“Additionally, we are leveraging new technologies to foster the creation of safe, entertaining games and drive consumer-focused innovation.”
The GCGRA was established in September 2023 as the UAE’s first gaming regulator, and the nation’s first casinos are already under development, including Wynn’s project in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.